Minneapolis College of Art and Design Integrated Pest Management Policy and Plan 1.1 - Pest Management Policy Statement Structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems in the urban environment. The pesticides used to remediate such pests can also pose health risks to people, non-target organisms, and the environment when not properly used. Because the health and safety of students and staff is our first priority, it is the policy of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for the control of structural and landscape pests. Through the use of IPM, MCAD will minimize pesticide use and maximize pest prevention and control, thereby reducing the potential for exposure to people and the environment. To accomplish this goal, Facilities Management will utilize physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and educational tactics as primary prevention and control measures. Chemical controls will be used when necessary. Pests will be prevented and controlled to maintain the integrity of school buildings and grounds, to protect the health and safety of students and staff, and to maintain a productive learning environment. Contractors working in campus buildings and grounds are required to adhere to all provisions of this policy. 1.2 - Pest Management Pests are populations of living organisms (animals, plants, or microorganisms) that interfere with the use of the facility by students and staff. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and whether that species adversely interferes with the health, safety, aesthetic, environmental or goals of the college. 1.3 - IPM Coordinator The Associate Vice President of Facilities has the primary responsibility for ensuring that this IPM policy is followed. The AVP of Facilities will oversee: 1. Custodial, building and grounds, and maintenance staff to ensure implementation of pest prevention measures; manage pest control contractors and staff engaged in monitoring and control of pest problems; 2. Communication of this IPM policy and plan; 3. Communication with MCAD s pest management contractor on all matters pertaining to pest prevention and control; 4. Recordkeeping, education and IPM information provisions of this policy. 1.4 - Integrated Pest Management Procedures IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural, or biological means, or whether personnel practices need to be modified in order to accomplish the goals of this IPM program. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment and the best available pest control methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. Selected non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible to provide the desired control. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to meet important management goals, the least hazardous material will be chosen. 1. Integrated Pest Management strategies (Appendix A) are designed to prevent pest problems whenever possible. This is done through monitoring, regular inspections, high standards of sanitation and pest proofing measures, or modification of environmental conditions leading to pest problems. 1
2. Facilities will contract with a commercial pest control company(s) to meet the needs of the facility. The contractor(s) will make detailed site-specific recommendations for structural and procedural modifications to achieve pest suppression. The contractor shall provide evidence of sufficient expertise in pest control, IPM principles, and practices. 3. Inspection of all facilities and grounds will be conducted by Facilities personnel and/or or by the pest management contractor(s) on a frequent basis to identify any pest problems proactively, or to identify and make recommendations pertaining to conditions that could be conductive to pest invasion or survival. 4. Before taking any pest control action, Facilities will first determine an action threshold which is a point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that some type of action is required. A sighting of a single pest does not always mean control is needed. 5. When pests do not exceed tolerance thresholds, non-chemical pest control measures (e.g., sanitation, screening, physical barriers, vacuuming, mulching, irrigation, fertilization, insect, nest removal or pest-resistant plant selection) will be practiced. 6. Pesticides will be used when appropriate, along with other management practices or when other pest prevention and non-chemical control measures have failed to reduce pests below tolerance thresholds. The smallest application amount will be used to meet pest management goals. 7. The Facilities Management Office must approve pesticide applications in advance if the pesticide product label has a an EPA signal word of either DANGER or WARNING. EPA Signal words are found on pesticide product labels, and they describe the acute (short-term) toxicity of the formulated pesticide product. The signal word can be either: DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. As a rule, bait pesticides (insecticide baits in gel or containerized form, and rodenticide baits) are considered to be least hazardous materials and are exempt from prior approval. Pesticides will be applied by certified pesticide applicators or MCAD Facilities personnel following current laws/regulations and pesticide instructions. 1.6 - Education Staff and students will be educated about potential school pest problems and the IPM procedures to be used to achieve the desired pest management objectives. Examples of education include the strategies identified in Appendix A. 1.7 - Record Keeping Records of pest inspections and pesticide use shall be maintained by Facilities Management in accordance with college policies and governmental regulatory agencies. The pest control contractor(s) will complete and supply Facilities with pesticide use records that comply with regulatory requirements. 1.8 - Notification Facilities (or designee e.g., Housing) will notify students or staff of upcoming pesticide treatments when applicable. Notification will occur in accordance with local/state laws. Antimicrobial agents, such as sanitizers and insecticide and rodenticide baits, are exempt from notification requirements. Exemptions from prior notification shall include emergency situations and applications of bait pesticides and/or container-delivery systems. In the event it is necessary to use a pesticide, this will be done in such a way as to ensure the safety of all staff, students and visitors. 1.9 - Pesticide Storage and Purchase Pesticide purchases will be limited to the amount authorized for use during the year. Pesticides will be stored and disposed of in accordance with the EPA-registered label directions and state regulations. 2
1.10 - Pesticide Applicators Pesticide applicators must be educated and trained in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved by MCAD. Applicators must follow regulations and label precautions. Effective Date: 3/18/16 3
Appendix A IPM Strategies Indoor IPM Strategies Typical Pests: Mice, Rats, Cockroaches, Ants, Flies, Spiders, Termites, and Microorganisms Entryways: Doorways, Overhead doors, Windows, and Openings around pipes, Electrical fixtures, and Duct (s). Keep exterior doors shut when not in use Place weather stripping around doors Caulk and seal openings in walls Keep vegetation at least one foot from the structure Classrooms/Offices Clean up food and beverages after being consumed. Keep exterior doors/windows shut Keep indoor plants healthy Keep areas dry as possible by removing standing water and water damaged and wet materials In all areas remove dust and debris Routinely clean lockers and desks Frequently vacuum carpeted areas Remove garbage and compost on a routine basis. Apartment Units Do not allow rain to come in units from open windows In all areas remove dust and debris Routinely clean apartment units Wash dirty dishes Frequently vacuum carpeted areas Remove garbage and compost on a routine basis. Wash garbage/compost containers when needed. Keep kitchen sinks clean. Food Preparation and Serving Areas: Dining Hall, Cafeteria, Vending Machine areas and Food Storage Rooms Store food in containers that are inaccessible to pest Store waste in containers that are inaccessible to pests Remove all waste at the end of each day Place screens on vents, windows and floor drains. Remove all food debris including crumbs Fix dripping faucets and other water leaks Promptly clean food preparation equipment after use Caulk or paint to seal cracks and crevices Maintenance Areas: Mechanical rooms, Janitorial rooms, etc. Allow eating only in designated eating rooms Clean trash cans regularly Use plastic liners in trashcans Keep areas clean and dry as possible Store paper products or cardboard boxes away from moist areas and direct contact with the floors and walls. 4
Outdoor IPM Strategies Typical Pest: Mice and Rats. Turf pest such as broad-leaf and grassy weeds. Insects such as beetle grubs or sod webworms and turf disease. Ornamental pest such as plant diseases, insects such as aphids, Japanese beetles and bagworms. Parking Lots, Loading Dock, Refuse Dumpsters Regularly clean trash containers and gutters Regularly remove all waste and paper debris Secure lids on trash containers Repair cracks in pavement and sidewalks Provide adequate drainage Turf/Lawns Select turf types best adapted for the area Adjust mowing height to grass type Vary mowing patterns to reduce soil compaction Do not over or under water turf water in the A.M. Provide good drainage Periodically inspect turf for evidence of pest or diseases Have soil analyzed to determine fertilizer requirements Time fertilizer applications on an appropriate time Spot/localized chemical treatment of pests are preferred over campus wide treatments Aerate soil periodically Ornamental Shrubs and Trees Apply fertilizer to annual and perennials during active growing season Apply fertilizer to trees and shrubs early in the growth season or during the dormant season Prune branches to improve plants and prevent access by pest to structures Remove susceptible plants if a plant disease recurs and requires too many resources to keep healthy Periodically inspect plants for evidence of pest or disease Select replacement plants from among the disease resistant types 5